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SLB-100
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations!
Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha Silent Bass. In order to obtain the maxi-
mum performance and enjoyment from your Silent Bass, we urge you to read
this Owner’s Manual thoroughly before using the instrument. Please keep this
Owner’s Manual in a safe place for later reference.
Contents
Precautions.................................................................... 3
Main Body/Accessories ..................................................... 4
Nomenclature........................................................................ 5
Setup ....................................................................................... 7
■ Tuning ......................................................................................... 7
■ Attaching the Frame Unit ............................................................ 9
■ About the End Pin ..................................................................... 10
■ Putting the Instrument into the Soft Case ................................. 10
■ Changing Strings ...................................................................... 11
■ About the Mute ......................................................................... 12
Power Supply ...................................................................... 13
■ Using the Battery ...................................................................... 13
■ Supplying AC Power ................................................................. 13
Connecting External Devices ......................................... 14
Using the Controls ............................................................ 16
Specifications ..................................................................... 17
English
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SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adaptor). DO NOT
connect this product to any power supply or adaptor other than one described
in the manual, on the name plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha.
This product should be used only with the components supplied or; a cart,
rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used, please
observe all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory
product.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The information
contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However,
Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without
notice or obligation to update existing units.
Do not attempt to service this product beyond that described in the usermaintenance instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified
service personnel.
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones
or speaker/s, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high
volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing
loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before
damage occurs.
NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to
how a function or effect works (when the unit is operating as designed) are
not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner’s
responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer
before requesting service.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Yamaha strives to produce products that
are both user safe and environmentally friendly. We sincerely believe that our
products and the production methods used to produce them meet these goals.
In keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the law, we want you to be
aware of the following:
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL
Battery Notice: This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable
battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place. The average life span of this
type of battery is approximately five years. When replacement becomes
necessary, contact a qualified service representative to perform the replacement.
This product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of these may be
rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being charged is a rechargeable type
and that the charger is intended for the battery being charged.
When installing batteries, do not mix old batteries with new, or with batteries
of a different type. Batteries MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches or
incorrect installation may result in overheating and battery case rupture.
Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble or incinerate any battery. Keep all
batteries away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly and as
regulated by the laws in your area. Note: Check with any retailer of household
type batteries in your area for battery disposal information.
Disposal Notice: Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or
for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all
local, state, and federal regulations that relate to the disposal of products that
contain lead, batteries, plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you, please
contact Yamaha directly.
NAMEPLATE LOCATION: The nameplate is located on the bottom of the
product. The model number, serial number, power requirements, etc., are
located on this plate. You should record the model number, serial number, and
the date of purchase in the spaces provided below and retain this manual as a
permanent record of your purchase.
Model Serial No.
Purchase Date
92-BP
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Your Silent Bass will give you years of reliable service if you follow the simple rules
given below:
■ Location
Do not expose it to the following conditions to avoid
deformation, discoloration, or more serious damage.
•Direct sunlight (e.g. near a window).
•High temperatures (e.g. near a heat source,
outside, or in a car during the daytime).
• Excessive humidity.
• Excessive dust.
•Strong vibration.
■ Power Supply
•Turn the power switch OFF when not in use.
• If you use an AC power adaptor, unplug the
adaptor from the AC outlet if not to be used for an
extended period of time.
• Unplug the AC power adaptor during electric
storms.
•Avoid plugging the AC power adaptor into the
same AC outlet as appliances with high power
consumption, such as electric heaters or ovens.
Also avoid using multi-plug adaptors since these
can result in reduced sound quality and possibly
damage.
■
Turn Power OFF When Making Connections
•To avoid damage to the Silent Bass and other
devices to which it is connected (a sound system,
for example), turn the power switches of all
related devices OFF prior to connecting or
disconnecting audio cables.
■ Handling and Transport
•Never apply excessive force to the controls,
connectors or other parts.
•Always unplug cables by gripping the plug firmly,
not by pulling on the cable.
•Disconnect all cables before moving the unit.
•Physical shocks caused by dropping, bumping, or
placing heavy objects on the unit can result in
scratches and more serious damage.
■ Cleaning
•Clean the cabinet and panel with a dry soft cloth.
•A slightly damp cloth may be used to remove
stubborn grime and dirt.
•
Never use cleaners such as alcohol or thinner.
•Avoid placing vinyl objects on top of the unit
(vinyl can stick to and discolor the surface).
■ Electrical Interference
• This unit contains electric circuitry and may cause
interference if placed too close to radio or
television receivers. If this occurs, move it further
away from the affected equipment.
YAMAHA is not responsible for damage
caused by improper handling or operation.
Information for Users on Collection and Disposal of Old Equipment and used Batteries
These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying documents mean that used
electrical and electronic products and batteries should not be mixed with general household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products and used batteries, please take them
to applicable collection points, in accordance with your national legislation and the Directives 2002/
96/EC and 2006/66/EC.
By disposing of these products and batteries correctly, you will help to save valuable resources and
prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment which could otherwise
arise from inappropriate waste handling.
For more information about collection and recycling of old products and batteries, please contact
your local municipality, your waste disposal service or the point of sale where you purchased the
items.
[For business users in the European Union]
If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment, please contact your dealer or supplier for
further information.
[Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union]
These symbols are only valid in the European Union. If you wish to discard these items, please
contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
Note for the battery symbol (bottom two symbol examples):
This symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. In this case it complies with the
requirement set by the Directive for the chemical involved.
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Main Body/Accessories
After opening the packaging, please check that all the parts listed below are included.
•Main Body
•Frame Unit
• Mute
•Allen Wrench
• 6F22 (S-006P) 9V battery x1
*AC adaptor is optional,
please purchase the optional
power adaptor PA-3B.
Option
•AC Adaptor (PA-3B)
•Stand for Silent Bass (BST1)
• Knee support for Silent Bass (BKS1)
• Soft case for Silent Bass (BSC1)
To purchase the optional accessories shown above, please
inquire at your authorized Yamaha dealer.
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Tuning peg
Fingerboard
Nomenclature
● Front ● Rear
Nut
Frame Unit
End pin stopper
Neck
4th string (E)
3rd string (A)
2nd string (D)
1st string (G)
Body
Bridge
Pickup
(underneath
the bridge)
Bridge seat
Tailpiece
Saddle
Tail wire
End pin
Frame Unit
Armrest
Controls
→ See page 6.
Frame Unit
Fixing Knob 3
Frame Unit
Fixing Knob 2
Frame Unit
Fixing Knob 1
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● Controls
VOLUME control
TONE control
POWER switch
POWER lamp
AUX IN
level control
AUX IN jack
6F22 (S-006P)
9V battery
Pickup balancer
(located inside)
Cord hook
DC-IN 12V jack (+ –)
(Power adaptor connector)
PHONES/LINE OUT jack
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Setup
■ Tuning
The Silent Bass is shipped from the factory with the bridge in place and the strings slightly
loosened. The bridge’s height is set to an average height.
Since the position of the bridge will sometimes shift during transport, please properly
adjust the position of the bridge before tuning the strings.
• The lower side of the bridge supports the 1st string (G),
the higher side supports the 4
th
string (E). When look-
ing at the bridge from the side, the surface that has a
sharper curve should face the fingerboard. (Facing up
when in the playing position). (Fig. 1)
•The side of the bridge facing the tailpiece should be at
a right angle compared to the body. (Fig. 2)
•The height of the instrument’s bridge is adjustable.
Turning the round legs clockwise will raise the bridge
higher. Turning the round legs counter-clockwise will
lower the bridge’s height. (Fig. 3)
*1
Adjust to the
same height.
Clockwise
Higher
Lower
Counter-
The bridge’s legs
clockwise
A
E
4th string
Groove
[Fig. 1 : Looking from the tailpiece]
Correct
Bad
[Fig. 2 : Bridge stands vertically]
D
G
Bad
Right angle
Body
1st string
Ta ilpiece
[Fig. 3 : Adjusting bridge height]
•Before adjusting the bridge’s height, make sure that the strings are loosened so that the legs can turn
easily. If string tension is too tight and the legs are turned by force, it may result in damage to the bridge,
pickup, etc.
•Make sure that both of the bridge’s legs are adjusted to the same height. If both legs are not stable and
string tension is increased, the bottom of the bridge will not have adequate contact with the pickup
resulting in poor sound quality, noise, damage, etc. (Fig. 3-*1)
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•The strings are tuned to the following pitches. The 1st
string is tuned to G, the 2nd string to D, the 3rd string
to A, and the 4th string to E.
Use a piano, tuning fork, tuner, etc., and adjust the pitch
of each string using the tuning pegs.
• After tuning is complete, make sure that the tailpiece
side of the bridge is still properly aligned. If the bridge
is leaning in either direction, slightly loosen the strings
and carefully re-align the bridge using both hands.
Caution
Make sure that the Tail Wire is correctly positioned
on top of the Saddle.
Raise
pitch
Lower
pitch
2nd string (D)
1st string (G)
3rd string (A)
4th string (E)
Saddle
● Tuning machine tension adjustment
The tuning machine’s tension that regulates the amount of pressure
required to turn the tuners can be adjusted using the supplied Allen
wrench.
* If the tuning machine turns with very slight pressure
→ Rotate the adjustment screw to the right (clockwise: A).
* If the tension is tight and the tuning machine is hard to turn
→ Rotate the adjustment screw to the left (counter-clockwise: B).
8
Ta ll wire
B
A
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■ Attaching the Frame Unit
The Silent Bass is shipped from the factory with the Frame Unit removed from the main
body.
Please properly attach the Frame Unit using the following procedure.
1
Open the frame unit’s armrest until it comes in contact
with the stopper.
2
Fully loosen the [Fixing Knob 2] located on the bottom
end of the main body.
3
Align the cut end of the Frame Unit with the post above
the [Fixing Knob 2] and fully insert. Then, align the notch
at the top of the Frame Unit so it rests on the top of the
bass’ main body and slowly insert.
4
Turn the [Fixing Knob 1] located on the upper portion
of the frame unit clockwise until it is tight, to attach the
frame unit to the body.
3
1
Fixing Knob 1
Tighten
4
5
Turn the [Fixing Knob 2] on the bottom end of the main
body clockwise (looking from the bottom) until it is tight,
to attach the frame unit to the body.
6
Align the [Fixing Knob 3], located on the center of the
frame unit, with the Fixing Knob Plate located on the
center of the main body, then turn clockwise to tighten.
Fixing Knob 3
Tighten
6
3
When you move the frame unit’s
center section, be careful not to
pinch your fingers, hand, etc.
This completes attachment of the frame unit.
To remove the frame, simply reverse the order of the previous procedure.
•Make sure that Fixing Knobs 1-3 are tightened firmly. If they are left loose, it may result in rattle or noise
during performance.
•When transporting the instrument, always hold it by its neck or main body. Holding by the frame unit only
may result in damage to the frame unit.
Fixing Nut 2
2
5
Loosen
Tighten
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■ About the End Pin
Loosen the end pin stopper, extend the end
pin to a comfortable length for playing and
firmly tighten the end pin stopper.
Tighten
Loosen
•Make sure the end pin stopper is secured firmly to
prevent the instrument from falling while you play.
End Pin Stopper
End Pin
■ Putting the Bass into the Optional Soft Case
Before putting the bass into the optional Silent Bass soft case, remove the frame unit from
the Silent Bass and pack the components into the case as shown in the diagram below.
• Use the Velcro® fasteners (2 locations) inside the case to secure the frame unit in place.
•When putting the bow in the soft case, make sure that it is first put into the hard bow case, then place the
hard case in the pocket and secure with a Velcro® fastener (1 location).
•When the case is placed on its side with the instrument packed inside, make sure that the side holding
the main unit is placed on the bottom (so the side with the frame is on top).
Silent Bass Main Unit
Hard Bow Case
Fram e Unit
Velcro® Fasteners
Bow Pocket
The soft case does not fully protect parts such as the bridge from damage.
The soft case is meant for storing and transportation of the instrument and protects it from dust, etc. Do
not place the bridge so it is on the bottom of the case and do not cause damage to the instrument by
placing objects on top of the case, hitting it, etc.
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■ Changing Strings
As the strings get old, sound quality will gradually decrease, and it will become difficult to
tune the instrument. Change the strings as soon as you think they are getting old.
Make sure you purchase Double Bass strings. The Silent Bass uses a string length of
1,054 mm (41.5 inch).
• The end of the strings are sharp and can cut fingers. Use caution when changing strings.
•When changing or adjusting strings, do not put your face close to the instrument. The string may
suddenly break resulting in eye or other unexpected injuries.
Winding the Strings
1
Hook the ball located on the end of the string in the string hole on the tailpiece. At this time, make sure
that the ball is properly inserted in the notch of the string hole.
* If the ball end is bigger than the string hole, thread the string from the back of the tailpiece.
String
2
Insert the other end of the string into the hole on the tuning peg. Rotate the tuning peg. As shown in the
Hook the ball in the string
hole on the tailpiece.
Ball
illustration, wind the string on the side away from the peg handle once around the peg, then return the
string back overlapping that wind so that the remaining slack is wound gradually toward the peg handle.
1st (G) and 2nd (D) strings are shown on the left, 3rd (A) and 4th (E) strings on the right.
Winding the 3rd and
4th strings
Remaining
winds
1st
wind
3rd string (A)
Rotate the
tuning peg
as shown
2nd string (D)
Rotate the
tuning peg
as shown
Winding the 1st and
2nd strings
1st
wind
Remaining
winds
4th string (E)
1st string (G)
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Make sure the bridge is at a right angle.
Also, make sure each of the strings are positioned
in their corresponding grooves.
* Make sure the tailpiece side of the bridge
stands vertically in relation to the body.
3
Use a piano, tuning fork, tuner, etc., and adjust the pitch of each string using the tuning pegs.
Bad
Correct
Bad
Ta ilpiece
Right angle
Body
* Refer to the “Tuning” section (page 7).
•When the instrument is not being used for an extended period of time, loosen the strings.
•Before using the instrument, make sure that the bridge is positioned vertically. Damage to the bridge and
poor sound quality may result if the bridge is not properly positioned.
■ About the Mute
Due to the design of the YAMAHA Silent Bass, the pickups also pickup vibration of the
strings between the bridge and the tailpiece. At times this extraneous vibration may occur.
If the sound is unpleasant, attach the supplied mute to the strings near the upper end of
the colored thread wrapping on the strings as shown in the illustration below.
• The mute will have little effect if it is attached midway between the bridge and the tailpiece.
Please take note.
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Mute
Mute
Colored
Wrappings
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Power Supply
The Silent Bass can be operated with either battery or AC power. Always turn
the power switch on the rear panel OFF before making AC power connections
or replacing the battery.
■ Using the Battery
1
Open the battery case located on the backside of the instru-
ment by pulling the tab labeled “OPEN” toward you, then
open the battery compartment cover.
2
Insert the supplied battery (6F22:S-006P) into the battery com-
partment. Take careful note of the polarity markings (+/-) as
shown in the illustration when inserting the battery.
3
Close the battery compartment cover and push the battery case
all the way back into the instrument body.
* For customers in the Netherlands
Bij dit produkt zijn batterijen geleverd.
Wanneer deze leeg zijn, moet u ze niet
weggooien maar inleveren als KCA.
When the battery is low, the lamp will dim and the sound may become distorted or noisy.
When these symptoms occur, please take note of the following precautions and replace the battery.
•When replacing the battery, please purchase a replacement battery that is the same type as the supplied battery (make sure the size and dimensions, plus the terminal design are the same). Depending
upon the manufacturer, designs may differ slightly. A different type of battery may be difficult to insert
into the battery case and may result in damaging the instrument. Also, even if the battery can be
inserted, its use may result in fire, poor operation, etc. due to poor contact with the battery terminals.
•Always follow the +/– signs when inserting the battery. Improper insertion may result in fire.
•To prevent possible damage to the unit due to battery leakage and unnecessary power drain, remove
the battery from the unit when it is not going to be used for an extended period of time.
6F22 (S-006P)
9V battery
battery
compartment
cover
battery
compartment
■ Supplying AC Power
AC adaptor is optional, please purchase the optional power adaptor PA-3B.
1
Plug the adaptor’s DC output cable into the Silent Bass’s DC IN 12V jack located on the back of the
instrument, making sure the plug is firmly inserted into the jack.
2
Plug the AC adaptor into a convenient wall AC power socket.
•Battery power is automatically disconnected when the AC adaptor is connected.
•When the AC adaptor is used, the batteries may leak. To prevent leakage we recommend that you remove
the batteries from the instrument.
• When using an AC adaptor, make sure you use only the appointed compatible adaptor. The use of an
incompatible adaptor may result in damage to the instrument or cause fire, etc. Please use with caution.
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Connecting External Devices
• Using the cord hook
Wrap the Power Adaptor’s cord
around the cord hook (prevents
cord from being unplugged).
Electric
Outlet
Headphone
(optional)
To the LINE IN jack,
etc.
Bass Amplifier,
Powered Speaker
Cord Hook
Power Adaptor
(Optional:PA-3B)
Power Adaptor Cord
6F22 (S-006P)
9V battery
or
CD Player MD Player
Silent Bass
AUX IN
DC-IN 12V
/LINE OUT
From the LINE
OUT jack, etc.
Electronic Tuner
*Power rating of 50W or more
is recommended
P. A. Mixer, Recording Device
When connecting the instrument to external audio equipment, check the jack size and make sure to use a
plug size that corresponds to the jack being used, and properly connect the cable to the jack.
Cassette Player
Electronic Metronome
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■ AUX IN jack
•The AUX IN jack, located on the rear of the in-
strument, can be used to connect an external ste-
reo signal source to the Silent Bass.
Connecting the audio output of a CD player,
cassette player, etc. to the instrument allows you
to play along with the external audio source.
■ LINE OUT jack
• The /LINE OUT jack located on the rear
panel provides stereo output for the Silent Bass
(the bass signal is mono while the AUX IN sig-
nal is stereo).
When a device other than headphones is used
for monitoring the instrument, use an optional
stereo phone plug cable (or monaural phone plug
•The AUX IN jack’s signal level can be controlled
with the AUX IN level control.
cable) to connect the instrument to the audio
input jack of a bass amplifier, external powered
speaker, mixing console, etc., to listen from ex-
•The VOLUME control is used to adjust the to-
tal level of the output signal. This signal con-
tains the AUX IN signal that is controled by the
AUX IN level control knob too.
ternal audio equipment or recording. You can
also connect this jack to the INPUT jack on an
electronic tuner and tune the Silent Bass like an
electronic instrument using the instrument’s out-
put signal.
•Before connecting the Silent Bass to any external devices, make sure that the power of all
related devices is turned OFF. Set the volume level of any external audio sources to the minimum level before connecting anything. High volume settings could cause damage to the equipment and your hearing.
• If a connection cord is unplugged while the power is ON, it may result in damage to the equipment. The sudden shock to your ears may be great, so please use with care.
• Be careful not to step on the cord. The cord may break, equipment may be damaged, and this
may cause a substantial shock to your ears.
• The signal from the Silent Bass’s output jacks must NEVER be returned to the AUX IN jack,
either directly or through external equipment. Doing so will result in feedback which may
cause damage to the internal electronics.
•When a powered speaker is connect to the
power ratings may distort due to the low frequencies produced by the instrument. For sufficient headroom, used powered speakers with a power rating of 50 watts or more.
/LINE OUT jack, speakers with inadequate
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Using the Controls
1
Turn the POWER switch on the rear panel to its “ON” position.
The Silent Bass will be powered and the lamp will light.
2
Use a cable with a standard 1/4 inch phone plug to connect the
/LINE OUT jack on the rear panel to the input jack on a bass
amp or powered speaker, etc.
Also, connecting a pair of headphones to this jack will allow
you to practice in private without the use of an amp.
• Before making any connections, make sure the volume is
turned down on the amplifier, powered speaker, etc. or its
power is switched OFF.
• Do not make any connections when you are wearing the
headphones over your ears.
3
Rotate the VOLUME dial to adjust the volume to a suitable
level.
•When using the headphones, do not operate at high volume levels for long periods of time. Doing so can lead to
irreparable damage to your hearing.
• If the sound is distorted when playing strongly, try turning
the volume knob slightly to the left.
4
Use the TONE dial to control the instrument’s tone quality.
Rotate the dial to the right (HIGH) to increase high frequencies. Rotate the dial to the left (LOW) to increase low frequencies.
Adjusts the
volume
Increases low
frequencies
The lamp lights
Increases
high
frequencies
● Pickup balance adjustment
The Silent Bass’ pickup system consists of two sensors, one for low strings the other for high.
Depending upon the type of strings and your playing style, you might want to adjust the balance of the high
and low sensors. If so, please use the following procedure.
1
Remove the rubber cover located under the TONE knob on the rear
section of the main body.
* Do not lose this cover.
2
Use a non-conductive screwdriver (made of plastic or resin so it does
on conduct electricity) to turn the balance control located inside the
hole and adjust the balance. Turn to the right (clockwise) to increase
the volume of the high sensor. Turn to the left (counter-clockwise) to
increase the volume of the low sensor.
*Do not turn the balance control too much.
3
After adjustment is complete, replace the rubber cover.
HINT If your playing uses mostly a pizzicato style, we suggest
slightly boosting the bass side. If you mainly use a bow,
a center setting may be best.
Increase the
low sensor
16
Increase the
high sensor
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Specifications
Neck Maple
Body Spruce + Mahogany
Fingerboard Rosewood
Bridge Maple (height is adjustable)
Frame Unit Beech + Aluminum frame
Tuning Pegs Custom Worm Gear Type
Tail Piece Ebony
Strings Contra Bass Strings (Ball-end type)
Sensors 2 Piezo Pickups
Connectors/Controls •AUX IN (w/Level Control)
• (Headphone)/LINE OUT output jack for nor-
mal use.
•Volume
•Tone control
Power •POWER Switch (OFF/ON)
• 6F22(S-006P)/6LR61 9V battery x1
or AC Adaptor (PA-3B)
Battery Life (Continuous Use) Using Manganese battery : approximately 12 hours
Using Alkaline battery : approximately 24 hours
String Length 1,054 mm (41.5”)
Dimensions (with the frame attached and the End Pin fully contracted)
1,735 (L) x 525 (W) x 435 (H) mm
68.3” (L) x 20.7” (W) x 17.1” (H)
Weight approximately 10 kg (22 lbs.)
* Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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